One much-needed improvement for Metro Atlanta will be the construction of northbound ramps at the intersection of Georgia 400 and I-85 on the city's north side.

Work on the long-awaited ramps will begin this summer and is scheduled to conclude by January 2013. Archer Western Contractors, LTD, of Atlanta will perform the project, which is being funded by Georgia 400 toll revenues.

Once in operation, the new ramps will offer southbound Georgia 400 drivers direct access to northbound I-85, and similar access to northbound Georgia 400 from southbound I-85.

"This project will improve the functionality of both Georgia 400 and I-85," said transportation commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. "And it will remove all of this 'connecting' traffic from Buckhead's busy surface streets. We'll improve mobility on two major freeways and in a major residential, business and retail center. It's a win-win-win."

A number of other projects will take place across Georgia.

C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. was chosen to build a new widened bridge on U.S. Highway 19/State Route 3 over Potato Creek in Upson County for $10.1 million. The Marietta company will also create passing lanes on State Route 18 in Lamar and Monroe counties for $6.9 million.

For $9.4 million, The Scruggs Company of Valdosta will build a new Interstate Highway 75 interchange at Omega-Eldorado Road in Tift County.

Installation of a new center median safety cable barrier on 55 miles of Interstate Highway 16 in Bibb, Bleckley, Laurens and Twiggs counties was awarded to Anatek, Inc., also of Marietta, for $4.7 million.

A decision on a possible $33.8 million contract to widen 8.5 miles of State Route 24 in Washington County from two lanes to four was deferred for further consideration.